Scio sets Summer Fest dates, addresses indigent burial cost

Scio’s popular Summer Fest is scheduled for Aug. 20–23, 2026, organizer JT Thompson told village council at its Nov. 25 meeting. The main festival will run Thursday through Saturday.

“The regular festival is only going to be three days this year,” Thompson said. “A lot of the organizations have trouble getting enough help.”

The 5K run and the Harrison County cheerleaders’ performance will take place Thursday. The parade and arm-wrestling event are set for Saturday. On Sunday, the community will hold a worship service, car show and duck race.

Council approved the use of the small pavilion and bathrooms for the car show, and granted permission for the park to be used for parking.

During Fiscal Officer Renea Riesen’s report, council was informed of a $1,000 bill from Clark-Kirkland-Barr Memorial Funeral Home for the cremation of an indigent individual. Riesen said the coroner’s office confirmed the deceased had a Scio address since 2022.

“So this is going to be our bill to pay,” Riesen told council.

Village Administrator Jason Tubaugh and Village Solicitor Jack Felgenhauer reminded council that state law requires municipalities to cover the cost of an indigent burial when no relatives come forward. The village cannot be charged more than $1,000.

“It is what it is,” Felgenhauer said. “It’s an indigent burial via $1,000. It’s a statutory balance.”

Riesen also reported that the village’s three-month CD would expire at the end of November. She asked whether council wanted to move the $60,837.81 into the STAR Ohio account, the State Treasury Asset Reserve. Doing so would bring the village’s balance in the account to $100,000. She noted the money can be withdrawn at any time.

Council voted to move the funds into the STAR account.